iPad, Kindle Fire Are Most Desired Tablets, Study Says

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A recent study has found that after the iPad, the Amazon Kindle Fire is the second-most desired tablet this year.

The study, conducted by ChangeWave Research, surveyed 3,043 North American consumers between Nov. 1 through Nov. 13 and found that while 65 percent expressed interest in the iPad, 22 percent expressed interest in the Kindle Fire, making it "the most explosive development in the tablet market since the release of the original iPad."

Although Apple still dominates the tablet market by a substantial percentage, no other tablet has ever peaked as much interest in comparison as the Kindle Fire. Consumers were polled on their past, current and future buying plans; 2 percent said they had already pre-ordered the Kindle Fire, 5 percent said they were very likely to buy it and 12 percent said they were somewhat likely.

"The launch of the Amazon Kindle Fire represents a shot across the bow at Apple, who until now has almost completely dominated the tablet space," ChangeWave said in a statement. "But the most immediate impact of the Amazon device is on the rest of the competition, where the survey shows it wreaking a devastating blow to a range of second-tier tablet manufacturers, including Motorola, RIM, Dell, HTC, HP and Toshiba."

Only 4 percent of those surveyed showed interest in the Samsung Galaxy Tab, which ranked as the third most desired tablet, while 1 percent or less preferred those offered by Motorola, RIM, Dell, HTC, HP and Toshiba.

One of the main reasons behind the Kindle Fire's popularity is its markedly low price. While the iPad and other tablets can run up to around $499, the Kindle Fire is selling for a fraction of the price at $199. In addition, its smaller size makes it easier to transport, while the typical tablet is about 9.5 inches, the Kindle Fire is about 7 inches.

"If you're already bought into the Amazon world, which in the Internet age it's hard not to be, and aren't full-force into iOS, the Fire is hard to pass up. It's no iPad, of course, but that's not necessarily a flaw," said reviewer Corinne Iozzio on Popsci.com. "The Fire does what is says it will, and for the most part it does it quite well. It's instant gratification for nearly any media whim. If there's one thing Amazon knows, it's how to get people what they want, and get it there fast. The Fire, friends, is the perfect portal."